BIRTH STORIES

Over the years, Sharon and Kara have helped deliver hundreds of babies. These are some of their stories.

KIM AND THEO

When I first met Kara, I was drawn to her calm and confident energy. She came to our home for an interview and we knew she would be a good fit almost instantly. My husband and I were both very impressed by her background— we’d never met a midwife who had experience in a hospital, at a birth center AND at home.

She built an amazing rapport with our 2 year old daughter from that first visit and it was clear that she was knowledgeable, compassionate and attentive. I had a difficult pregnancy, both physically and emotionally, and Kara was a gentle guide through the entire process.

Kara blends holistic practices with Western medicine so seamlessly, even working in tandem with my obstetrician when the need arose. I had well-rounded care from the first trimester through our six week postpartum visit. I can’t imagine our pregnancy or birth experience without Kara— regardless of the circumstances, she made me feel comforted and safe. Birthing our son at home was a transformative experience and I am so grateful to her for holding the space as we completed our family.

CARRIE AND BODHI(written by Daddy)

After moving to Santa Cruz during our eighth month of pregnancy, we were so happy to find Sharon — a compassionate, alternative-thinking and holistic midwife — on such short notice.

We were introduced to Kara a few weeks later, and felt an instant connection to her warmth and approach. Then, just like that, Carrie’s water broke. Sharon was there early on, getting the tub ready, prepping the birthing supplies, monitoring everyone’s health and allowing nature to take its course.

By the time active labor began, Kara was also by our side, offering a second pair of expert hands and opinions on how everything was progressing. With Carrie (and me) in the birthing tub and our midwives by our side, we rode out the waves of labor and pain. I honestly don’t know how you women do it!

Bodhi Daniel Goodman eventually entered the world on our couch, and we were amazed at how fast the midwives took care of the essential medical stuff and got him into our arms. A few hours later, fate decided that we needed to go to the hospital. Scared and exhausted, we were glad to have our midwives with us for that whole ordeal.

In the days that followed, they stopped by our room with holistic remedies, acupressure, advice, smiles and compassion. Being able to rely on someone other than the hospital staff really helped get us through it all. So thanks Sharon and Kara … we’re so happy to have you in our lives.

VICTORIA AND BABY SAGE

When the big day came, I was all set up with everything I needed for a home birth. Kara didn’t require anything extravagant and even helped me locate some harder to find items like a birthing pool. I woke up around 5:30am in early labor and called her to let her know since she would have to account for traffic if my labor went quickly.

Kara could tell I was nervous, and arrived around 9:00am with her assisting midwife. My labor turned out to be pretty long, and looking back, I know she could have probably waited until about 3pm before coming by, so most of the day, she and her assistant hung out while my husband and I did our thing, staying comfortable.

I really felt like I had control over my body and my birth and that Kara was there ready, waiting, for me to let her know I needed her. She could tell by how I was reacting how my labor was going, and she was diligent in keeping track of our vitals.

During transition, she was very reassuring and let me know that I was right where I needed to be which is exactly what I needed. She tried a few techniques to ease my contractions, and if they were too much, she simply backed off giving me the space that I needed.

During active labor, Kara was right there with me checking on me and baby, but still letting me do my thing. That moment right before I started pushing and I thought I couldn’t do it anymore, she got right to my level and talked me through it, and my baby was out in 2 pushes. Throughout the entire labor, we were joking and laughing.

My son was born into my home surrounded by laughter and love. The entire experience was something I could have never imagined. She caught him because of the position I was in when he came out, and I’m so glad her face was the first he saw since it couldn’t have been mine.

Kara handed him to me and did all of her exams while he was in my arms until I was ready to take a shower after. I went to sleep that night with my baby on my chest, my husband by my side, in my own bed, listening to the sounds of her sweet voice chatting with her assistant cleaning up the aftermath of our home birth.

Postpartum care was a breeze, and Kara came to check in on both of us. She also encapsulated my placenta for me which made it so much easier for me since I didn’t have to arrange for someone to come pick it up. She has since moved to northern California since my son was born, but if I had another baby, I’d rent a place near her so she could be my midwife again.

TESTIMONIALS

When planning a homebirth, it is so important to have a capable and comforting midwife by your side. Kara is exactly this. During our pre-natal visits, she listened carefully to my questions and concerns and made sure I had all the information I needed to make the right decisions for my and my baby’s care. Her warm personality made our visits so enjoyable and I always looked forward to them.

For my birth, she created a relaxed, safe space and helped me to feel confident in myself. My labor was very slow going and eventually I had to transfer to Dominican hospital, but having Kara by my side helped me to make that transition as smoothly as possible and keep me reassured.

Despite not having the homebirth I had hoped for, I felt like my birth went as well as it possibly could have done, and my baby and I were (and still are) 100% happy and healthy. Kara was integral to my positive birth experience and choosing her as my midwife was the best decision I could have made. I can’t recommend her highly enough!

Victoria, Bobby and Baby Alexander

Sharon,

From the moment I met you I knew my birth experience would be perfect. I instantly had a trust and bond with you. Everything you have done for me and Keith was amazing. I am so lucky to have found you. What a different experience I would have had at the hospital, right? You gave me the most beautiful birth story and I wouldn’t have done it any other way! I can’t wait for the second now.

Rachel

Dear, Dear,Dear, Dear, Dear, Dear, Dear, Aunty Sharon Midwife,

When where you born? Did you have a midwife to catch you? Thank you for Catching Cian. Thank you for catching me. Why did I go first?

All the best.

Miraw

a three year old girl

It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you. Since the day we met, we knew it was a perfect match to work with you. We appreciate your care, thoughtfulness, humor, and professionalism. Thank you so much for helping to give our family a beautiful beginning!

Naraya, Elio, & Oa

J, Grayce & I have been so fortunate with our circle of friends and feel super lucky to have found you! You were a big source of inspiration to me and I thank you! I hope we continue to share life and children together in the years to come.

Dana, J, Grayce & Julia

I want to thank you againfor all the help with bringing Kiahna into the world. You have been a blessing in my life!

Harmony

Thanks for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you!

Sonia

Thank you so much for helping us bring our baby into the world! Your calm, upbeat presence was exactly what we needed. We appreciate everything you did for us and are eternally grateful for your assistance.

Kai

You are the best midwife ever! You guided us towards a fabulous team, you gave us medical advice when we needed it and counseled us when that was needed. You provided us with the full spectrum of health care from homeopathics to western … all with a big dose of love. You are so incredibly skilled at what you do and we are forever thankful of your help bringing our baby into this world. We hope to see you next time around.

Rachel & Beau

We just wanted to say thank you for being such an incredible midwife! We really appreciate the care you gave me and the baby. Not to mention the way you included our 3 year old in the whole process. She loves you so much. We feel you went above and beyond. We all love and will miss seeing you. Thank you for helping us get our perfect birth. What an amazing birth story I have!

Keep in touch! Much Love and Respect.

Michelle & Brian

Thanks you again for helping our family have a wonderful home birth!

My daughter asked me if she can be a midwife when she grows up and if I will be her assistant. We will always remember you and always appreciate you! We love you!

Selena

Thank you, thank you! What would I have done without you? It was so incredibly amazing of you to show up for us in such an incredibly supportive way. You are an awesome midwife and we were very fortunate to have you.

Alana

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